Baby tooth extraction
baby tooth extraction · pulling a baby tooth · child tooth extraction · primary tooth removal
A pediatric dentist gently removes a baby tooth with local numbing. It is usually quick.
When a baby tooth is loose and in the way of the adult tooth, or is badly decayed or infected and cannot be saved.
⏱ Duration: usually 10 to 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Feed your child 1 to 2 hours before the visit. After the extraction, no eating for 2 hours.
- Mindset. Calmly tell your child the dentist will help the tooth. Do not scare them, and do not promise it will not hurt at all.
- Health. If your child has a fever or a cold, call the clinic. The visit may be moved.
What to bring
- Your child's ID
- A favorite toy
How it goes
- The dentist checks the tooth and sometimes takes an X-ray
- A numbing gel is put on the gum
- A numbing injection is given
- Once the gum is numb, the tooth is removed
- A cotton pad is placed on the spot. Your child bites down on it
What you'll feel
- The injection is a quick pinch after the gel
- Then the lip and cheek go numb for 1 to 3 hours
- During the extraction: pressure, but no pain
Afterwards
- Keep the cotton pad bitten down for 15 to 20 minutes
- No eating for 2 hours, until the numbness wears off
- Make sure your child does not bite the numb lip or cheek
- On the day, no hot food, no rinsing, and do not touch the socket
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The socket is still bleeding an hour after biting on the cotton pad
- Cheek swelling, a fever, or severe pain after 1 to 2 days
Common questions
When will the adult tooth come in?
It varies: sometimes in a few weeks, sometimes later. If the tooth was removed early, the dentist may suggest a device to keep the space.
Can I pull a loose tooth at home?
If the tooth is very loose and almost out, it often falls out on its own. If the gum hurts or is inflamed, see a dentist.